Two problems related to brake light on have been reported for the 2001 BMW X5. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
The contact owns a 2001 BMW X5. The contact stated that the brake light failed to shut off and the abs warning lamp illuminated. The contact mentioned that after parking the vehicle, black smoke started to emit from the engine compartment. After inspecting the vehicle, he noticed that the master cylinder was completely melted. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 157,000.
Today I brought my BMW X5 to dealer because the warning light goes on and off indicating a problem with the rear brake lights. Dealer said that the bulb holder had failed because of excessive heat melting the bulb holder. Last September, I had a new bulb holder assembly replaced for the rear turn signal after the same warning light came on and was then told that the device failed because of excess heat, melting the bulb assembly. These would seem to be related problems and safety issues.